Arson suspect accepts plea offer
Since the plea agreement that one of the five suspects charged in connection to starting the January arson fire at an under-construction apartment complex does not contain any stipulations, a Yuma County Superior Court judge will decide what sentence he receives.
On Tuesday, during a change of plea hearing in Superior Court, Daniel Molina pleaded guilty to one count of assisting a criminal street gang. He is being represented by attorney Eugene Marquez of the Yuma County Public Defender’s Office.
In return for his guilty plea, 13 other counts of arson against him were dismissed. Molina appeared out of custody at the hearing, having posted a $350,000 cash-only bond following his arrest earlier this year.
In explaining the terms of his plea agreement to him, Superior Court Judge Stephen Rouff informed Molina that the offense carries a prison sentence ranging from two years to eight years and nine months, with the presumptive sumptive prison sentence being three and a half years. He also told Molina he could also be placed on a term probation of up to five ears, and that as a condition of that probation, he may have to serve up to a year at the Yuma Country jail. prosecution Prior plea, to Rouff to accepting read asked a summary Molina’s the of facts in the case, to which the prosecution stated that Molina, who is a member of the East side Naked City gang, admitted that he took part in the planning of the fire, and that it was being done as an act of retaliation toward the OkieTown gang.
When asked how he pleaded to the offense, Molina said “guilty.” It was the only time he spoke during the hearing. Sentencing has been set for 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 27. According to Yuma police, the fire broke out just before 3:30 a.m. on Jan. 29 at the Mesa Heights Apartment complex, which was under construction in the 2100 block of Arizona Avenue. Nearby residents were evacuated.
Over 20 and properties six buildings were were totally destroyed, including and an five homes. building Six other vehicles or structures sustained significant damage, and there were 15 other small yard and debris fires, one of which burned a carport screen.
Also arrested in the case was 25-year-old James Mee and 19-year-old Trayvon Johnson. Both are facing multiple felony charges. A 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy were also arrested in connection to the case.